A significant shift has occurred in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports landscape with the entry of two prominent Saudi Arabian organizations, Twisted Minds and Team Falcons, into the franchised MLBB Professional League (MPL) Philippines. This development underscores the increasing global influence of Saudi Arabia within the esports arena and marks a pivotal moment for MLBB’s competitive scene.
Both Twisted Minds and Team Falcons previously fielded MLBB teams within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. For Team Falcons, this isn’t their first foray into the MPL PH; they previously collaborated with AP Bren. However, this new move signifies a deeper commitment as they directly acquire a franchise slot.
This strategic expansion places them squarely in Southeast Asia, the heart of MLBB’s most fervent fanbase and arguably its most competitive region. The Philippines’ dominance in the M World Championships, having won all but one edition, speaks volumes about the level of competition they are entering.
This announcement follows the departure of two established MPL PH teams, Blacklist International and RSG PH. While both organizations bid farewell to their supporters via heartfelt social media posts, the specific slots acquired by Twisted Minds and Team Falcons remain undisclosed. Official roster details for both incoming teams were also absent from the initial press release.
Grant Rousseau, Team Falcons’ global director of esports, emphasized the organization’s readiness to compete and win, stating, “After an initial test year with AP Bren, the organization now understands the market’s competitive nature, and we are ready to pick up our own franchise and team to compete and to win.”
Twisted Minds, while possessing a less extensive global footprint compared to Falcons, has been rapidly growing its presence, particularly as the MENA region emerges as a key hub for competitive gaming, fueled by events such as the Esports World Cup.
Ibrahim Bin Jibreen, CEO and Founder of Twisted Minds, articulated the organization’s ambitions, stating, “We want to expand overseas, especially in Asia, in the Philippines. We want to compete on the highest level in MLBB esports, and the Philippines is the right country to be in.” This move signals a clear intent to establish themselves as major contenders in the highly competitive world of MLBB.
